Today, the united states has an equivalent of 400 standard-sized 1000-mw power plants. if electrical energy consumption continues to rise at the present rate of 2% per year, how many additional power plants will be needed in 35 years to meet those needs?

The solution is as follows:

Energy Consumption after 35 years = 400*1000 MW * (1+0.02*35) = 680,000 MW

After 35 years, United States would need 680,000 MW. If the standard - sized power plant has a capacity if 1000 MW, so, you would need:

Number of power plants = 680,000/1000 = 680 Thus, the additional power plants needed would be:

Additional power plants = 680 - 400 = 280 power plants